Your Everyday Touring Pack

[XXX-er]

I think a lot of you guys that have small packs do not carry emergency stuff, or not enough

You need a puffy warm enough that you can spend the night outside, extra gloves, hat, tools, .

Room for crampons, food, snacks

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

this ^^

[plugboots]

Maybe he’s just looking for the smallest pack that would carry a big Voilé shovel?

[whyturn]

Deuter packs have been good for light days. 35+ expandable.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[rod9301]

Maybe he’s just looking for the smallest pack that would carry a big Voilé shovel?

Yeah, that's different

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

[rod9301]

I live in Tahoe too, but without a big puffy i could not survive waiting for search and rescue even in the spring, once the temps dropped.

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

[skis_the_trees]

Patagonia Descensionist 40L for most touring. Simple feature set and <1kg. Bigger than I "need" for a typical day of touring, but really easy to stuff a puffy (including a big, warm synthetic puffy) into the top without having to compress it super small. For instance, stuffing an XL Patagonia Macropuff or L Arc'teryx Nuclei SV.

I find a simple 40L pack carries and skis the same as a small ~24L pack if you have the same stuff in there. But I understand the temptation to fill a 40L pack with potentially more than you would take in a 24L pack. Avoid the temptation and make accessing/sorting your gear easy with a bigger pack.

[kootenayskier]

The Patagonia Descensionist 32 L works great for my needs. My strategy is always to carry the minimum necessary, and for a few years I was paring back my gear list to make a 24 L pack work, but this size seems about right, especially on cold days when an extra layer and a full size thermos are appreciated. The avy gear pocket is tight getting my full size (SOS) shovel blade in and out, but I make it work. If money was no object I’d splurge on an Alpine Threadworks pack with a Purcell pocket, but that’s a lot of $ for addressing a pretty minor inconvenience.

[concierge]

I am launching a pack brand in about 4 to 5 weeks that I think addresses some of these shortcomings. The pack I am launching is 40L and expands to 50L so it might be a bit bigger that what flip was looking for. I am taking the fabrics that guys like Alpine Threadworks are using (Challenge Ultra) and getting the pack produced at one of the best pack factories in the world in Vietnam. This has allowed me to create a 1080g pack that is fully featured with back panel access, large avy pocket, removable aluminum frame, removable back panel, helmet carry that is some dinky strap on thing, and much more. Most 40L packs are coming in at over 1400g. I chose this volume because I think it works for 90% of skiers, everything from your dawn patrol or post work lap to a hut trip. Part of the impetus for starting is that I had not seen a pack that is lightweight with a back panel access, which IMO is superior because it is the only access method where you can easily get to everything in your pack with your skis on your pack.

I'm super excited to share more on TGR soon, but happy to speak more to it in the meantime.

[meter-man]

I am launching a pack brand in about 4 to 5 weeks that I think addresses some of these shortcomings. The pack I am launching is 40L and expands to 50L so it might be a bit bigger that what flip was looking for. I am taking the fabrics that guys like Alpine Threadworks are using (Challenge Ultra) and getting the pack produced at one of the best pack factories in the world in Vietnam. This has allowed me to create a 1080g pack that is fully featured with back panel access, large avy pocket, removable aluminum frame, removable back panel, helmet carry that is some dinky strap on thing, and much more. Most 40L packs are coming in at over 1400g. I chose this volume because I think it works for 90% of skiers, everything from your dawn patrol or post work lap to a hut trip. Part of the impetus for starting is that I had not seen a pack that is lightweight with a back panel access, which IMO is superior because it is the only access method where you can easily get to everything in your pack with your skis on your pack.

I'm super excited to share more on TGR soon, but happy to speak more to it in the meantime.

Congrats and hell yeah - can't wait to see it! Post a link to this thread when you start your own.

[rod9301]

I am launching a pack brand in about 4 to 5 weeks that I think addresses some of these shortcomings. The pack I am launching is 40L and expands to 50L so it might be a bit bigger that what flip was looking for. I am taking the fabrics that guys like Alpine Threadworks are using (Challenge Ultra) and getting the pack produced at one of the best pack factories in the world in Vietnam. This has allowed me to create a 1080g pack that is fully featured with back panel access, large avy pocket, removable aluminum frame, removable back panel, helmet carry that is some dinky strap on thing, and much more. Most 40L packs are coming in at over 1400g. I chose this volume because I think it works for 90% of skiers, everything from your dawn patrol or post work lap to a hut trip. Part of the impetus for starting is that I had not seen a pack that is lightweight with a back panel access, which IMO is superior because it is the only access method where you can easily get to everything in your pack with your skis on your pack.

I'm super excited to share more on TGR soon, but happy to speak more to it in the meantime.

How much weight can it comfortably carry?

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

[singlesline]

I'm anxiously awaiting the day we have Star Trek replicators (or on demand textile manufacturing a-la what 3d printers have done for platics) that I can combine with some ChatGPT.

Hey AI,
Please make me a bag that uses the body of X 30L pack, but expands the main compartment to 35L.
Ok, now swap in the waistbelt from Y pack.
Now add a helmet carry strap like on Z pack.
No, put it higher up so it wouldn't interfere with a diagonal ski carry.
Great, now redo the colors so it matches any of my current ski wear which includes [insert photos of jackets/pants]
Cool, manufacture and send please.

[bennymac]

I was just reading this thread wondering which of the mentioned packs had back panel access - this is what I miss the most going from an old Osprey pack to an airbag pack - I want to set my pack down in the snow without the sweaty back panel getting soaked by snow.

Concierge - I’m intrigued - maybe start a new thread when it’s time to reveal your creation!

[MagnificentUnicorn]

A roll top with a side access zipper is great, lay it on it’s side or bottom. No snow sticking to the sweaty back. Cirque 35.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[John_B]

A roll top with a side access zipper is great, lay it on it’s side or bottom. No snow sticking to the sweaty back. Cirque 35.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Exped Serac 35 is similar and I've been happy with it for days sans airbag. With some contentious packing I think I like the side zip more than back access.

[SLCMunchie]

I am launching a pack brand in about 4 to 5 weeks that I think addresses some of these shortcomings. The pack I am launching is 40L and expands to 50L so it might be a bit bigger that what flip was looking for. I am taking the fabrics that guys like Alpine Threadworks are using (Challenge Ultra) and getting the pack produced at one of the best pack factories in the world in Vietnam. This has allowed me to create a 1080g pack that is fully featured with back panel access, large avy pocket, removable aluminum frame, removable back panel, helmet carry that is some dinky strap on thing, and much more. Most 40L packs are coming in at over 1400g. I chose this volume because I think it works for 90% of skiers, everything from your dawn patrol or post work lap to a hut trip. Part of the impetus for starting is that I had not seen a pack that is lightweight with a back panel access, which IMO is superior because it is the only access method where you can easily get to everything in your pack with your skis on your pack.

I'm super excited to share more on TGR soon, but happy to speak more to it in the meantime.

Stoked for you! I just logged in after years of inactivity to essentially do the same thing I wish you luck and please reach out to me. Maybe we can help each other out somehow. It looks like we'll probably have competing lines, but together maybe we can move the needle away from some of the crappy designs out there.

Our ski packs won't be out until fall 2024, but we will definitely be testing and gathering content this winter. We're launching these packs at OR and regional trade shows in a few months.

www.pingora-gear.com.

[concierge]

How much weight can it comfortably carry?

Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

rod9301 the goal of this pack is for it to flex up for hut trips and big missions so I didn't skimp on comfort. I had a horrible experience skiing Rainier with a ultralight pack that cut off circulation to my arms and that really drove home that comfort can also add to speed even if it adds a bit of weight. I think 3 things that really impact comfort are the shoulder pad construction, the frame of a pack and the shape of the back panel. I have 9mm foam on the shoulder straps which is about double what you see in packs like the Cirque 45. The pack has a full aluminum frame that distributes weight to the hip pads which have ample foam as well. This pack also has a molded back panel that has shape and shape from the frame to get the pack on to the hips and off the back. It can carry at least 35lbs comfortably. I'm able to achieve this at a low weight by employing some tricks with removing foam in less needed places.

I was just reading this thread wondering which of the mentioned packs had back panel access - this is what I miss the most going from an old Osprey pack to an airbag pack - I want to set my pack down in the snow without the sweaty back panel getting soaked by snow.

Concierge - I’m intrigued - maybe start a new thread when it’s time to reveal your creation!

Regarding the discussion of back panel access vs. side zip I think the back panel access is superior for a number of reasons. You get complete access to your gear, there is a lot, lot less stress on the zipper when the bag is stuffed, and you can access the pack when the skis are A-framed. This is enough for me to always want a back panel access pack. @bennymac I'm stoked to hear you feel the same and I will definitely be sharing the brand on here once i have everything lined up for launch. I will shoot you a dm if that's ok when it is live.

Stoked for you! I just logged in after years of inactivity to essentially do the same thing I wish you luck and please reach out to me. Maybe we can help each other out somehow. It looks like we'll probably have competing lines, but together maybe we can move the needle away from some of the crappy designs out there.

SLCMunchie I will shoot you a DM! Looks like you have an awesome brand and I'd love to chat.

[rod9301]

Thanks, I'm interested. I had a custom mc hale pack, dead after 10 years. Now i have a35+10 peuterey, good pack.


Sent from my moto g 5G using Tapatalk

[bennymac]

Yes feel free to pm me when this goes live - always wanted a backpack concierge!

[enginerd]

Wow! Psyched to see these new packs!! Please post them up here when available.

I’ve been using the cirque 30 lt lately and loving it. It definitely shows it’s alpine climbing roots even more so than the 35. No structure to the back panel or waist strap and no zipper access. But it’s great for my use and has worked for more than one overnight. The main feature I want in a ski pack is a dedicated avy tools pocket. I attempt to pack stuff such that what I know I want to get to easily is on the top. Of course my crampons and puffy are always at the bottom and I want to get to them all the time so…maybe my next pack will have back panel access [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[waveshello]

Hip belt pockets? Shoulder strap pocket? Or at least an attachment point for a shoulder strap pouch/pocket?

[concierge]

Hip belt pockets? Shoulder strap pocket? Or at least an attachment point for a shoulder strap pouch/pocket?

I have a generous and elastic hip belt pocket on the right side (its amazing how many other packs make hip belt pockets that can't fit a phone), it has a webbing loop to attach a shoulder stap pouch, and I have a glove stash elastic strap on one shoulder strap.

Wow! Psyched to see these new packs!! Please post them up here when available.

I’ve been using the cirque 30 lt lately and loving it. It definitely shows it’s alpine climbing roots even more so than the 35. No structure to the back panel or waist strap and no zipper access. But it’s great for my use and has worked for more than one overnight. The main feature I want in a ski pack is a dedicated avy tools pocket. I attempt to pack stuff such that what I know I want to get to easily is on the top. Of course my crampons and puffy are always at the bottom and I want to get to them all the time so…maybe my next pack will have back panel access

Stoked you are excited! The cirque is a great pack. I am excited that I am at the same weight as the Cirque 45 with much more features. My pack has a similar avy tools pocket to that pack except I added direct access to that compartment with a pass through zipper. IMO its a nice in between of a dedicated pocket and something more minimalist like the Cirque. I use a fairly large shovel (BD Evac 7) and it can be taken in and out with ease. One thing I am excited about with my pack is I have a much more secure helmet carry that other packs so I actually put my crampons inside my helmet and its a great space optimization hack when you know your crampons won't fall out.

[enginerd]

Have definitely had helmets fall out of pieps helmet holders.

I ordered the cirque 45 at one point and found it like 30% above list weight when it arrived. Returned it.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[Relica]

Excited to see touring packs go through a similar evolution with cottage companies that backpacking packs have. I love my SWD backpacking pack with thick shoulder straps and ultra fabric.

The one thing I wish more touring packs have is easy access to water, even if it's a small bladder. I use the cirque 22 for resort and short days and love having the running vest pouches in the front.

For longer days I use Patagonia decenstionist. The one thing I like about the sidie zip is a partner can easily grab snacks or other items out of my pack without taking the pack off.

[meter-man]

Excited to see touring packs go through a similar evolution with cottage companies that backpacking packs have. I love my SWD backpacking pack with thick shoulder straps and ultra fabric.

The one thing I wish more touring packs have is easy access to water, even if it's a small bladder. I use the cirque 22 for resort and short days and love having the running vest pouches in the front.

For longer days I use Patagonia decenstionist. The one thing I like about the sidie zip is a partner can easily grab snacks or other items out of my pack without taking the pack off.

I would love those Cirque 22 shoulder straps on any of these 35-40L packs. Those straps are amazing. You can easily carry about 0.7 liters of water in each strap, snacks, lip balm, and stuff gloves (thru shock-corded loops).

If any pack maker could put those on a larger pack, I would love that. Those straps and their carrying capacity essentially obviates the need for taking the backpack off until the top of the climb.

I don't understand why pack makers don't (1) do more with shoulder straps and (2) prioritize easy water drinking in a winter (freezing) environment. A bladder and tube don't work well at 5*F/-15C. Attention to those two items would be big wins.

[davjr96]

I would love those Cirque 22 shoulder straps on any of these 35-40L packs. Those straps are amazing. You can easily carry about 0.7 liters of water in each strap, snacks, lip balm, and stuff gloves (thru shock-corded loops).

If any pack maker could put those on a larger pack, I would love that. Those straps and their carrying capacity essentially obviates the need for taking the backpack off until the top of the climb.

I don't understand why pack makers don't (1) do more with shoulder straps and (2) prioritize easy water drinking in a winter (freezing) environment. A bladder and tube don't work well at 5*F/-15C. Attention to those two items would be big wins.

https://us.blueice.com/products/firecrest-38-pack

No first hand experience with this pack.